Richard Dawkins Learns About #Gamergate After Finding Himself Targeted By Block BotMore proof that anti-GamerGate is their own worst enemy

Alexander is a lifelong gamer who used to play video games competitively. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology which gives him a unique insight in the world of gaming. You can follow him on twitter

World-renowned scientist Richard Dawkins was indirectly dragged into GamerGate recently when he discovered that his name was on the Block Bot list. According to the Block Bot’s website, Dawkins is listed for being a racist, “rape apologist,” and transphobe. This did not sit well with Dawkins as he made multiple Tweets regarding the situation:

I have no objection to being blocked. Please block me if you wish. What I object to is being libelled, and linked with spammers & harassers.

There are three “level” on the block bot’s list. The lowest offending level, level one, is populated with accounts that “appear to engage in aggressiveness, threats, harassment, dishonesty in an effort to infiltrate social groups, impersonating someone, posting shock images, encouraging self-harm, spouting dehumanizing rhetoric, promoting hate speech, etc.” Level 2, where Richard Dawkins is, include slurs, insults referring to identity, humiliation, ridicule, and victim-blaming. Level 3, the highest rank on the block list, are accounts that “appear to frequently engage in microagressions, parrot tired talking points, show a sense of entitlement to have a conversation, exhibit a lack respect for the lived experience of others, etc.”

Is Richard Dawkins Warming Up To GamerGate?

While the Block Bot might be an ineffective tool in blocking “harassment” itself, we have to thank it (as well as Randi Harper’s Auto Blocker) for indirectly raising public awareness of GamerGate by constantly blacklisting innocent public figures. Despite their creators’ claims, both the Auto Blocker and the Block Bot aren’t being used to fight “harassment,” they’re being used to censor GamerGate and other discussions that the bot creators dislike. Nevertheless, Someone like Richard Dawkins wouldn’t know what GamerGate was if he hadn’t been targeted by the Block Bot in the first place.

I know so little of Gamergate I don’t even know which side I’m presumed to be on. I DO know I object to having lies told about me & others.

Richard Dawkins is a man of great reason and logic, known for his criticism of intelligent design and creationism. His 1976 book The Selfish Genehelped advance evolutionary biology and coined the word “meme.” Dawkins has a clear thirst for battle, shown by his participation in countless debates against creationists and religious figures. However, what side will Richard Dawkins choose when it comes to GamerGate? Will he join the righteous anti-GamerGate or will he side with the misogynistic pro-GamerGate? Sadly, Dawkins doesn’t care enough about GamerGate to take a side as of now, but who can blame him? The man has much bigger fish to fry.

I have no interest in GG or aGG. But DON’T call someone a moron because you wrongly thought he confused Newton with Russell & Whitehead. — Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) March 22, 2015

Alexander is a lifelong gamer who used to play video games competitively. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology which gives him a unique insight in the world of gaming. You can follow him on twitter